Label measurement system for a container

ABSTRACT

The present application is directed to label measurement systems for a container and methods thereof. A base label may be adhered to the container, and measurement information displayed on the base label. A top label may cover at least a portion of the base label. The top label may be rotatable about the base label to a specific unit of measurement. The top label may have a transparent window allowing measurement information for the specific unit of measurement to be visible through the transparent window.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/534,320 filed on Sep. 13, 2011, titled “Interactive Package to Properly Illustrate the Correct Dosage of Medication,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed generally to labels, and more specifically to labels for consumer product containers that function as an aid to determine the correct dosage of medication.

BACKGROUND

Containers for consumer products have a limited amount of outer surface area for placement of labels on the container. This may pose a challenge to manufacturers of these consumer products to fit all of the information they want to deliver to the consumer, or are required by law to deliver to the consumer, in this limited area. In particular, packaging for prescription and over-the-counter medications may be required to specify a significant amount of information concerning dosage and frequency of consumption.

More than three billion prescriptions are written each year in the United States, and an estimated $18 billion is spent on over-the-counter medications. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are intended to be consumed by a patient according to specific instructions for dosage and frequency. Non-compliance with these instructions has been identified as a major obstacle to the effective delivery of health care. Compliance typically means consuming the correct dosage at the correct frequency as specified in the prescription or on the over-the-counter medication packaging. According to the World Health Organization, only about half of patients with chronic diseases living in developed countries comply with their medication instructions. The reasons for non-compliance are varied, ranging from simple forgetfulness, to confusion, to ambivalence. However, the effects of non-compliance are staggering, resulting in an estimated $290 billion dollars per year in avoidable medical expenses. Additionally, studies have shown that non-compliance results in about 125,000 deaths annually in the United States, and leads to 10-25 percent of hospital and nursing home admissions.

Many liquid medications are packaged and sold with some type of dose-dispensing device that may be used to accurately measure the recommended dose based on instructions on the label, product packaging, or separate printed literature included with the package. However, consumers may not use the dose-dispensing device included with the package. For example, the instructions for a medication may indicate the dosage in teaspoon or tablespoon amounts. The consumer may use a household spoon instead of the dose-dispensing device. These spoons are not necessarily meant to accurately measure a teaspoon or tablespoon amount, and overdosing or underdoing may occur.

In addition, some consumers may not be able to read the proper dosing instructions provided in text form with the medication because of vision problems or illiteracy. In other situations, the units of measure specified in the instructions may not match the units of measure on the dose-dispensing device. When the medication is in pill, tablet, or capsule form, the consumer may not understand how many pills constitute a dose.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to rotating label measurement systems for a container. An exemplary label measurement system may comprise a base label adhered to the container. The base label may have a back surface and a front surface, with measurement information printed on the front surface. The label measurement system may further comprise a top label covering at least a portion of the front surface of the base label. The top label may be rotatable about the base label. In various embodiments, the top label may have a transparent window allowing at least a portion of the printed measurement information to be displayed through the transparent window. Rotation of the top label may cause the transparent window to display measurement information for a specific unit of measurement.

According to additional exemplary embodiments, the present application may be directed to methods for delivering information associated with a container. An exemplary method may comprise adhering a base label having a back surface and a front surface to the container, with units of measurement printed on the front surface of the base label. At least a portion of the front surface of the base label may be covered by a rotating top label. A transparent window may be placed within the rotating top label, such that at least a portion of the units of measurement may be visible through the transparent window. The top label may be allowed to rotate to a specific unit of measurement, and an indicia associated with the specific unit of measurement may be displayed. An opening on the container for dispensing material may be provided, and the material may be dispensed until it is dispensed at or near an amount approximated by the indicia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a back view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a back view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a leading edge of an exemplary label affixed to a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary base label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a leading edge of an exemplary top label affixed to an exemplary base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top label affixed to an exemplary base label and partially wrapped about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary top label with a window affixed to an exemplary base label and partially wrapped about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary top label with a window secured about a container and a portion of a base label visible through the window according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary base label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15A illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15C illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments

FIG. 16 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 31 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method for measuring material dispensed from a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 32 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method for measuring material dispensed from a container according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to rotating label measurement systems for a container. An exemplary label measurement system may comprise a base label adhered to the container. The base label may have a back surface and a front surface, with measurement information printed on the front surface. The label measurement system may further comprise a top label covering at least a portion of the front surface of the base label. The top label may be rotatable about the base label. In various embodiments, the top label may have a transparent window allowing at least a portion of the printed measurement information to be displayed through the transparent window. Rotation of the top label may cause the transparent window to display measurement information for a specific unit of measurement.

FIG. 1 illustrates various embodiments of a front surface 108 of a base label 100 for an object, such as a medication container, according to various embodiments. The base label 100 comprises a leading edge 102 and a trailing edge 104. While the leading edge 102 is oriented to the left and the trailing edge is oriented to the right as presented in FIG. 1, the orientation of the leading edge 102 and the trailing edge 104 could be reversed depending on which edge is first applied to the object. Both orientations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Base label front surface 108 may comprise writing or other indicia 106 thereon.

As used herein, the leading edge refers to the first edge to be affixed to the object and the trailing edge refers to the second edge to be affixed to the object or the overlapping leading edge. Depending on the orientation of the label and the object when the label is affixed to the object, either edge of the label may be the leading edge. The orientations presented in the figures are for convenience and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

FIG. 2 illustrates various embodiments of a back surface 206 of the base label 100. In various embodiments, the base label back surface 206 comprises two strips of adhesive 202 and 204 on or immediately adjacent to the leading and trailing edges, 102 and 104, respectively. Base label leading edge adhesive 202 may have a boundary 208 defined as its limit on the base label back surface 206. Base label trailing edge adhesive 204 may also have a boundary 210. While FIG. 2 illustrates that the adhesive strips 202 and 204 are generally close to the base label leading and trailing edges 102 and 104, respectively, it is understood that the adhesive strips 202 and 204 may be continuous or discontinuous, and may extend across any portion of the base label back surface 206, including the entire base label back surface 206. In various embodiments, a length of the base label 100 may be selected to be slightly longer than a circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that the trailing edge 104 overlaps the leading edge 102, and the trailing edge 104 is affixed to the leading edge 102. In various embodiments, the length of the base label 100 may be selected to be approximately the same as the circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that the leading edge 102 and the trailing edge 104 do not overlap.

FIG. 3 illustrates various embodiments of a front surface 306 of a top label 300. Top label 300 comprises a leading edge 302 and a trailing edge 304, and indicia 308 may be imprinted on the top label front surface 306.

Various embodiments of a back surface 402 of the top label 300 are illustrated in FIG. 4. The top label back surface 402 may comprise various indicia 408 printed thereon, as well as two strips of adhesive 404 and 406 on or immediately adjacent to the leading and trailing edges, 302 and 304, respectively. Top label leading edge adhesive 404 may have a boundary 410 defined as its limit on the top label back surface 402. Top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may also have a boundary 412. While FIG. 4 illustrates that the adhesive strips 404 and 406 are generally close to the top label leading and trailing edges 302 and 304, respectively, it is understood that the adhesive strips 404 and 406 may be continuous or discontinuous, and may extend across any portion of the top label back surface 402, including the entire top label back surface 402. In various embodiments, the adhesive strips 404 and 406 are confined to areas near the leading and trailing edges 302 and 304, respectively, so as not to obscure or interfere with the top label back surface indicia 408.

The base label adhesive 202, 204 and the top label adhesive 404, 406 may be applied in a variety of patterns as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The adhesive 202, 204, 404, 406 may be applied in strips, dots, droplets, circles, rectangles, squares, triangles, lines, and the like, as well as combinations of patterns.

A length of the top label 300 may be selected to be slightly longer than a circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that the top label trailing edge 304 overlaps the top label leading edge 302, and the top label trailing edge 304 is affixed to the top label leading edge 302. In various embodiments, the length of the top label 300 may be selected to be approximately the same as the circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that both the leading edge 302 and the trailing edge 304 do not overlap and are affixed to the base label front surface 108.

FIG. 5A illustrates the application of the base label 100 to an exemplary container 500 according to various embodiments. The container 500 may be a glass or plastic bottle, or other type of container such as a metal can or a cardboard receptacle. The container may be round, rectangular, square, or any other shape known in the art. The term “container” is used here for convenience to describe exemplary embodiments. It is understood that the container may be any object, including non-containers. Container 500 may comprise a cap 502 removably secured to a body 504. Various embodiments of the body 504 may have an exterior surface 506 that comprises a upper label panel 508, a lower label panel 510, and a recessed surface 512 interposed between the upper label panel 508 and the lower label panel 510. As discussed below, the base label 100 may be applied to the container 500 at the recessed area 512 between the upper label panel 508 and the lower label panel 510.

In various embodiments, the top label 300 may be rotatable about the base label 100, as discussed below. In these embodiments, the upper label panel 508 and lower label panel 510 may function to restrict upward and downward movement of the top label 300 in relation to the container 500 such that the top label 300 generally remains in a position covering at least a portion of the base label 100.

FIG. 5B illustrates the container 500 with the base label 100 affixed to the container 500. Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, base label leading edge 102 is placed in contact with the recessed surface 512 of the container 500 and affixed to the container 500 by the leading edge adhesive strip 202. With relative motion between the container 500 and the base label 100, the base label 100 may be wrapped around the container 500 with the base label trailing edge 104 now overlapping the base label leading edge 102 such that the leading edge adhesive strip 202 holds the base label leading edge 102 to the container 500 while the trailing edge adhesive strip 204 holds the base label trailing edge 104 to the overlapped base label leading edge 102.

In various embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 6, the length of the base label 100 may be substantially the same as a circumference of the recessed surface 512 of the container 500, which may allow the base label leading edge 102 and base label trailing edge 104 to abut rather than overlap. However, it is also possible that the length of the base label 100 may be shorter than the circumference of the recessed surface 512, resulting in a gap 702 between the base label leading edge 102 and the base label trailing edge 104 when the base label 100 is affixed to the recessed surface as illustrated in FIG. 7. In both of these instances, the base label trailing edge adhesive strip 204 may adhere to the recessed surface 512 of the container 500, rather than the base label leading edge 102.

In various embodiments, the base label adhesive strips 202, 204 may comprise a permanent adhesive. In general, a permanent adhesive is one that does not readily release from a surface to which it adheres after the adhesive dries or cures. Using the base label 100 as an example, the permanent adhesive 202, 204 will tend not to release from the recessed surface 512, nor will it tend to release the base label leading edge 102 or trailing edge 104 once dried or cured. In order to remove the base label from the recessed surface 512, the base label 100 may have to be torn from the adhesive, or the adhesive layer 202, 204 may have to be fractured which may leave some of the adhesive on the recessed surface 512 and some of the adhesive on the base label leading edge 102 or trailing edge 104. Once the surfaces affixed with the permanent adhesive are separated, they may not be reattached.

In FIG. 8, the base label 100 is already affixed to the recessed surface 512 of the container 500, and the application of the top label 300 over the base label 100 is illustrated according to various embodiments. The top label leading edge 302 may be placed in contact with any portion of the base label front surface 108 and affixed to the base label front surface 108 by the top label leading edge adhesive strip 404. With relative motion between the container 500 and the top label 300, the top label 300 may be wrapped around the container 500 with the top label trailing edge 304 now overlapping the top label leading edge 302 such that the top label leading edge adhesive strip 404 holds the top label leading edge 302 to the base label 100 while the top label trailing edge adhesive strip 406 holds the top label trailing edge 304 to the overlapped top label leading edge 302.

FIG. 9 illustrates the operation of the base label 100 and the top label 300 according to various embodiments. Beginning with the container 500 with the base label 100 and the top label 300 in place as shown, for example, in FIG. 6, the top label trailing edge 304 may be detached from the top label leading edge 302 and at least partially peeled back as shown in FIG. 9. The combination of the base label 100 and the top label 300 in this configuration increases the amount of surface area available for viewing by a consumer or user of the container 500. Prior to detaching the top label trailing edge 304, the consumer may view the top label front surface 306. Upon detaching the top label trailing edge 304, the consumer may now view the top label back surface 402 and the base label front surface 108 in addition to the top label front surface 306.

One of at least three types of adhesive may be used for the top label leading edge adhesive 404. A first type of adhesive is the permanent adhesive as described above for the base label 100. When a permanent adhesive is used for the top label leading edge adhesive 404, the top label leading edge generally cannot be detached without inflicting damage to one or both of the top label 300 or the base label 100. This may be desirable for various embodiments where the top label 300 is not intended to be removed from the container 500.

A second type of adhesive that may be used for the top label leading edge adhesive 404 is a releasable adhesive. A releasable adhesive is one that will release from a surface to which it is attached once a sufficient mechanical force is applied. A releasable adhesive may be used, for example, when the top label back surface 402 comprises a coupon for a subsequent purchase of a product. The releasable adhesive may allow the consumer to easily remove the top label 300 for later use. In various embodiments, the releasable adhesive may be a breakaway adhesive. A breakaway adhesive may have limited ability to withstand shear stresses. Shear stresses may cause the adhesive bond created between the label (e.g., top label 300) and the surface to which it is affixed (e.g., the base label 100 or container 500) to fail along the adhesive. In general, a releasable or breakaway adhesive may not re-attach to a surface once removed.

A third type of adhesive that may be used for the top label leading edge adhesive 404 is a resealable adhesive. A resealable adhesive may release from a surface to which it is attached once a sufficient mechanical force is applied, similar to the releasable adhesive described above. However, the resealable adhesive may be re-attached to a surface by applying pressure. A resealable adhesive may be desirable when the top label back surface 402 or the base label front surface 108 comprise information that may be needed only on occasion. Thus, the consumer or user may detach the top label 300 when the information is needed, then re-attach the top label 300.

In various embodiments, the top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may be a releasable adhesive or a resealable adhesive, depending on the intended use of the top label 300. As described above, if the surfaces 108, 402 comprise information that is intended to stay with the container, the top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may be a resealable adhesive. In contrast, if the top label 300 is intended to be removed from the container 500, a releasable adhesive may be desirable.

FIG. 10 illustrates various embodiments of the top label 300 comprising a window 1002. The window 1002 may comprise a void in the top label 300 such that a portion of the base label 100 may be visible through the window. In various embodiments, the window 1002 may have a transparent covering (not shown). In various other embodiments, the window may comprise a transparent section of the top label 300 itself rather than a void. FIG. 10 illustrates the top label 300 partially wrapped about a container 1000, and base label 100 already in place on the container 1000. As shown, the top label leading edge adhesive 404 maintains the top label 300 coupled to the base label 100. The top label 300 may then be moved from the position illustrated in FIG. 10 to the position illustrated in FIG. 11 to secure the top label 300 about the container 1000. Top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may couple to the top label leading edge 302 if the top label leading edge 302 and trailing edge 304 overlap; otherwise, the top label trailing edge adhesive 406 may be coupled to the base label front surface 108.

Once the top label 300 is in position on the container 1000 as illustrated in FIG. 11, at least a portion of the base label front surface indicia 106 may be visible through the window 1002. This may allow viewing of a first portion of the base label 100 without removing the top label 300. In various embodiments, the top label leading edge adhesive 404 may be a breakaway adhesive. Rotation of the top label 300 relative to the base label 100 may exert shear stresses on the breakaway adhesive, causing the adhesive bond affixing the top label leading edge 302 to the base label 100 to fail. The top label 300 may then be freely rotatable about the base label 100, and a second portion of the base label 100 may be visible when the top label 300 is rotated to a second position. The window 1002 may be rectangular as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, or any other shape as needed for a particular application. For example, the window 1002 may be a slit that reveals an alphanumeric string on the base label 100. In various embodiments, the top label 300 may comprise more than one window 1002. Various embodiments in which the top label trailing edge adhesive 406 is a resealable or releasable adhesive may allow the top label 300 to be peeled back to reveal the top label back surface 402 and essentially the entire base label front surface 108 or to be removed from the container 1000, in addition to being rotatable.

One skilled in the art will readily recognize that labels may be applied to containers using a variety of methods and that there may be a variety of single-label and multi-label systems other than those described above. Any such application methods or label systems may be used with the present disclosure. The above descriptions are exemplary and not to be construed as limiting in any way. Examples of other application methods and label systems may be disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,884,421, 6,086,697, 6,237,269, 6,402,872, 6,631,578, 6,649,007, 7,087,298, and 7,172,668.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a base label 100 and top label 300, respectively, that may comprise a label measurement system for a container, such as a medication container 1405 (see FIG. 14) according to various embodiments. The base label indicia 106 may comprise a plurality of individual measurement information indicia 1205-1255 printed thereon. The top label 300 may comprise indicia 308 relaying product-related information, safety-related information, manufacturer-related information, and the like. In various embodiments, the top label may contain a transparent window 1002 as described previously (see FIG. 10).

In various embodiments, the plurality of measurement information indicia 1205-1255 may comprise illustrations of a second container, such as a measurement spoon, measurement cup, spray dispenser, inhaler, and the like used to dispense the contents of the container 1405. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the measurement information indicia 1205-1255 may comprise illustrations of a measurement spoon. Each measurement information indicia 1205-1255 may illustrate a different dose amount. Additionally, the measurement information indicia 1205-1255 may indicate the dose in a variety of formats, such as pictorial, graphical, and numerical.

Referring to the first measurement information indicia 1205 of a measurement spoon, the indicia 1205 may comprise a series of gradient lines 1260 that divide the measurement spoon into dose amounts or portions of dose amounts. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 12, the gradient lines 1260 indicate dose amounts of milliliters (mL) and half milliliters between each milliliter gradient line 1260. Corresponding to at least a portion of the gradient lines 1260, the measurement information indicia 1205 may comprise numerical indicia for the specific unit of measurement 1265. As shown in FIG. 12, the specific units of measurement 1265 indicate each milliliter of volume (i.e., 4 mL, 5 mL, 6 mL, 7 mL, etc.). One skilled in the art will readily recognize that any unit of measurement (e.g., milliliters, ounces, teaspoons, tablespoons, etc.) may be used in various embodiments, and the gradient lines 1260 may indicate any whole number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) of units or partial units (e.g., ½, ½, ¼, etc.).

In various embodiments, each measurement information indicia 1205-1255 may comprise a shaded section 1270 that visually indicates to a user the proper amount to dispense from the container 1405 (i.e., the proper level to fill the second container) for the indicated dose. For example, the shaded section 1270 of the measurement information indicia 1205 indicates 4½ mL, the shaded section 1270 of measurement information indicia 1210 indicates 5 mL, the shaded section 1270 of measurement information indicia 1215 indicates 5½ mL, and so on. Each measurement information indicia 1205-1255 may also comprise numerical representation of the dosage 1275. In various embodiments, the numerical representation of the dosage 1275 may be spaced apart from the gradient lines 1260 and the specific units of measurement 1265 such that the numerical representation of the dosage 1275 may be displayed separately or independently. For example, the user may not be familiar with the abbreviation “mL” as shown in FIG. 12. However, the user may instead match the number “5” of numerical representation of the dosage 1275 in the measurement information indicia 1210 with the specific unit of measurement 1265 that also indicates “5” and fill the second container to the gradient line 1260 corresponding to “5” and obtain the correct dose.

FIG. 14 illustrates the base label 100 positioned on the container 1405 according to various embodiments. As discussed above, the base label 100 may comprise a plurality of measurement information indicia 1205-1255 printed on the front surface such that the measurement information indicia 1205-1255 at least partially encircle the container 1405. FIGS. 15A through 15C illustrate the top label 300 in place over the base label 100 the container 1405 according to various embodiments. The base label 100 and the top label 300 may comprise a label measurement system that may be used, for example, on a medication container 1405 to provide additional functionality that may allow a consumer to obtain a wide variety of information about the product in the container 1405 in addition to the label measurement system. For example, the base label 100 and the top label 300 may provide information concerning the company that produced the product, drug facts, drug interactions, games, contests, information on related products or services, or any other information. FIG. 15A illustrates the top label 300 in place over the base label 100. As described previously, the top label 300 may be applied such that the top label 300 is rotatable around a circumference of the container 1405. In FIG. 15A, the top label 300 has been rotated in the direction of the arrow revealing at least one of the measurement information indicia 1205-1255 through the transparent window 1002 in the top label 300. Similarly, FIGS. 15B and 15C illustrate the top label 300 further rotated in the direction of the arrow, thus revealing a different one of the measurement information indicia 1205-1255 through the transparent window 1002 of the top label 300. The top label 300 may be rotated until the desired measurement information indicia 1205-1255 is visible in the transparent window 1002. Although FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate a single measurement information indicia 1205-1255 visible through the transparent window 1002, two or more measurement information indicia 1205-1255 may simultaneously be visible through the transparent window 1002 in various embodiments.

The measurement information indicia 1205-1255 as shown in FIGS. 15A through 15C illustrate a measuring spoon (also known as a dosing spoon) commonly used to dispense a liquid medication. Such measuring spoons are often used when the patient taking the medication is a child in order to facilitate measuring the medication and administering it to the child. The measuring spoon is often packaged with the medication and delivered to the consumer. Instructions detailing the proper dose may be printed on the top label 300. However, the consumer may not read the instructions, may misunderstand the instructions, or may be unable to read the instructions, all of which may lead to the administering of a dangerously low or high dose.

In various embodiments, the health care provider dispensing the medication may rotate the outer label 300 until the measurement information indicia 1205-1255 corresponding to the proper dose is visible through the transparent window 1002. The consumer may then simply look at the measurement information indicia 1205-1255 and determine the correct dose, which may be accomplished in a number of ways without reading any instructions or even being able to read the instructions. In the exemplary situation where the prescribed dose is 8 mL, the outer label 300 may be rotated to the position shown in FIG. 15C. The consumer may observe that the shaded section 1270 of the measurement information indicia 1240 is at the specific unit of measurement 1265 at the 8 mL mark, and then fill the second container (e.g., the measuring spoon) to the 8 mL mark. Alternatively, the consumer may fill the second container until the amount of material in the second container is approximately the same as that indicated by the shaded section 1270. The consumer may also fill the second container until the material fills the second container to the same gradient line 1260 indicated in the measurement information indicia 1240. Finally, the consumer may observe the numerical representation of the dose 1275 and fill the second container to the matching number.

In various embodiments, the top label 300 may include instructions to aid the consumer in the use and interpretation of the measurement information indicia 1205-1255 visible in the transparent window 1002. For example, the top label 300 in FIG. 15A may comprise first instruction 1505 associated with the numerical representation of the dosage 1275, such as “Find Dose” or other similar instruction. The first instruction 1505 instructs the consumer to find the dose corresponding to the numerical representation of the dosage 1275 (in this case, 7) on the second container (e.g., the measuring spoon) and fill the second container to that level. Various embodiments of the top label 300 may also comprise a second instruction 1510 to facilitate the use of the gradient lines 1260, the specific unit of measurement 1265, and the shaded section 1270. For example, the top label 300 in FIG. 15A may comprise second instruction 1510 such as “Fill Dosing Spoon to Indicated Level” or other similar instruction. The second instruction 1510 may instruct the consumer to fill the second container until it approximately matches the measurement information indicia 1240.

Another common form of dispensing medication is by a cup. FIGS. 16 through 18 illustrates various embodiments in which the base label indicia 106 comprises a plurality of individual measurement information indicia 1605-1630 printed thereon in the form of a measurement cup. The individual measurement information indicia 1605-1630 may also comprise gradient lines 1260, specific units of measurement 1265, and shaded section 1270. The base label 100 may also comprise numerical representation of the dosage 1275 as described previously for FIG. 12. In certain situations, consultation with a health care provider may be required before consuming the medication. In various embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 16, at least one of the measurement information indicia 1630 may include directions such as “Ask Doctor” or “Consult Health Care Provider” or other similar instruction instead of a specific dose.

Various embodiments of the top label 100 may comprise a second transparent window 1705 in addition to the transparent window 1002 described previously. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the transparent window 1002 may display one or more of the measurement information indicia 1605-1630, while the second transparent window 1705 may display the numerical representation of the dose 1275. The second transparent window 1705 may be used to highlight the numerical representation of the dose so that the numerical value is more readily apparent.

Medications may also be administered by a syringe, and FIGS. 19 through 21 illustrates the label measurement system adapted for such a delivery system according to various embodiments. The measurement information indicia 1905-1955 of the base label 100 may comprise illustrations of syringes having gradient lines 1260, specific units of measurement 1265, and shaded sections 1270 representing increasing size of the dose as described previously. The base label 100 may also comprise numerical representations of the dosage 1275 that may be visible through a transparent window 1002 as illustrated in FIG. 21, or a second transparent window 1705 as illustrated in FIG. 17. FIG. 20 illustrates various embodiments in which the size of the transparent window 1002 may be adapted to correspond to the general shape of each measurement information indicia 1905-1955. For example, the measurement information indicia 1905-1955 of FIG. 19 depicts syringes, which are generally long and narrow in shape and the transparent window 1002 conforms to the same general shape. However, in FIG. 16, the measurement information indicia 1605-1630 depict measurement cups which have a more square shape and the transparent window 1002 in FIG. 17 conforms to the generally square shape.

Similar to the syringe described above, a dropper may also be used to dispense the medication, and FIGS. 22 through 24 illustrates the label measurement system adapted for such a delivery system according to various embodiments. The measurement information indicia 2205-2255 of the base label 100 may comprise illustrations of droppers having gradient lines 1260, specific units of measurement 1265, and shaded sections 1270 to represent increasing size of the dosage as described previously. The base label 100 may also comprise numerical representations of the dosage 1275 that may be visible through a transparent window 1002 as illustrated in FIG. 23, or a second transparent window 1705 as illustrated in FIG. 17.

While FIGS. 12 through 24 illustrate various embodiments adapted for liquid medications, the label measurement system may also be adapted for use with solid medications such as pills, tablets, capsules, and the like. For example, the measurement information indicia 2505-2530 of FIG. 25 may depict pills, tablets, or capsules in the palm of a hand in the same way the consumer may shake pills, tablets, or capsules out of the container 1405 into their hand. Consequently, there may be no need for gradient lines 1260 or shaded sections 1270 as there may be no second container for dispensing the medication as with liquid medication. The measurement information indicia 2505-2530 may comprise specific units of measurement 1265 in the form of pictorial representations of the number of pills, tablets, or capsules in each dose. For example, measurement information indicia 2505 depicts one pill, measurement information indicia 2510 depicts 1 1/2 pills, measurement information indicia 2515 depicts 2 tablets, and so on. The base label 100 may also comprise numerical representations of the dosage 1275 corresponding to the specific units of measurement 1265.

Returning to liquid medications, a nasal inhaler may also be used to dispense medications by spraying the medication one or more times from the inhaler. FIGS. 28-30 illustrate various embodiments of the label measurement system adapted for inhalers. The specific units of measurement 1265 may depict the number of sprays in each dose, and the dose may be further depicted in the number of inhalers in each of the measurement information indicia 2805-2825 in FIG. 28. For example, measurement information indicia 2805 depicts a single inhaler for a one-spray dose and the corresponding number “1” as the specific unit of measurement 1265, measurement information indicia 2810 depicts two inhalers for a two-spray dose and the corresponding number “2” as the specific unit of measurement 1265, measurement information indicia 2815 depicts three inhalers for a three-spray dose and the corresponding number “3” as the specific unit of measurement 1265, and so on. The base label 100 may also comprise numerical representations of the dosage 1275 corresponding to the specific units of measurement 1265.

Various embodiments may also be used to determine a proper dose based on consumer-related information. For example, the base label 100 may comprise a plurality of values related to the consumer-related information. The plurality of values may be presented numerically, graphically, or both. The consumer-related information may be, for example, height, weight, age, blood pressure, body temperature, level of pain or other discomfort, level of energy, level of mobility, and the like. The plurality of consumer-related information values may be positioned on the base label 100 such that when the top label 300 is rotated to a position where the desired consumer-related information value is visible in the transparent window 1002, 1705, the proper dose is also visible in the transparent window 1002, 1705.

In addition to the dispensing of liquids or solids as described above, the label measurement system may be used with containers 1405 of mixtures of liquids and solids, such as solids dissolved in liquids and solids dispersed in a liquid.

The top label 300 may comprise a dual ply (or multi-ply) construction in which a ply in contact with the base label 100 is a material selected for low sliding friction characteristics. The low sliding friction characteristics may enhance the ease of rotating and sliding the top label 300 about the base label 100. In various embodiments, the top label 300 ply in contact with the base label 100 may be coated with a substance to impart the low sliding friction characteristics.

FIG. 31 illustrates a general flow chart of various embodiments of a method 3100 for measuring material dispensed from a container. A base label 100 may be applied to a container 1405 (step 3105). The base label 100 may have a back surface 206 and a front surface 108. A plurality of units of measurement may be printed on the front surface 108 of the base label 100. Referring, for example, to FIG. 12, the units of measurement may comprise specific units of measurement 1265 such as 1 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL, etc., or any other unit of measurement. At step 3110, at least a portion of the base label 100 may be covered with a rotating top label 300. In various embodiments, the base label 100 may be coupled to the container 1405 while the top label 300 is free to rotate about the base label 100. A transparent window 1002 may be placed within a portion of the rotating top label 300 at step 3115 such that at least a portion of the specific units of measurement 1265 is visible through the transparent window 1002. As the top label 100 is rotated about the base label 100, one or more of the other specific units of measurement may alternately be visible through the transparent window 1002. In various embodiments, more than one of the specific units of measurement 1265 may be visible through the transparent window 1002. In various other embodiments, the top label 300 may comprise at least a second transparent window 1705 such that multiple indicia may be visible simultaneously through the multiple transparent windows 1002, 1705. The top label 300 may be allowed to rotate at step 3120 to a specific unit of measurement 1265 that may correspond to a desired dose. When the top label 300 is rotated to the desired specific unit of measurement 1265, an indicia associated with the specific unit of measurement 1265 may be displayed in the transparent window 1002 or the second transparent window 1705 (step 3125). Referring again to FIG. 12, the indicia may comprise a numerical representation of the dosage 1275. At step 3130, an opening may be provided in the container 1405 for dispensing material from the container 1405. The material may be dispensed from the container 1405 until an amount dispensed is at or near an amount approximated by the indicia.

FIG. 32 illustrates a general flow chart of various embodiments of a method 3200 for measuring material dispensed from a container. A base label 100 may be applied to a container 1405 (step 3205). The base label 100 may have a back surface 206 and a front surface 108. A plurality of units of measurement may be printed on the front surface 108 of the base label 100. Referring, for example, to FIG. 12, the units of measurement may comprise specific units of measurement 1265 such as 1 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL, etc., or any other unit of measurement, and gradient lines 1260 corresponding to each of the specific units of measurement 1265. At step 3210, at least a portion of the base label 100 may be covered with a rotating top label 300. In various embodiments, the base label 100 may be coupled to the container 1405 while the top label 300 is free to rotate about the base label 100. A transparent window 1002 may be placed within a portion of the rotating top label 300 at step 3215 such that at least a portion of the specific units of measurement 1265 is visible through the transparent window 1002. As the top label 100 is rotated about the base label 100, one or more of the other specific units of measurement may alternately be visible through the transparent window 1002. In various embodiments, more than one of the specific units of measurement 1265 may be visible through the transparent window 1002. In various other embodiments, the top label 300 may comprise at least a second transparent window 1705 such that multiple indicia may be visible simultaneously through the multiple transparent windows 1002, 1705. The top label 300 may be allowed to rotate at step 3220 to a specific unit of measurement 1265 that may correspond to a desired dose. When the top label 300 is rotated to the desired specific unit of measurement 1265, a gradient line 1260 associated with the specific unit of measurement 1265 may be displayed in the transparent window 1002 or the second transparent window 1705 (step 3225). At step 3230, an opening may be provided in the container 1405 for dispensing material from the container 1405. The material may be dispensed from the container 1405 until an amount dispensed is at or near an amount approximated by the gradient line 1260.

In various embodiments, all or a portion of the indicia 106 may be imprinted, embossed, or molded directly on an outer surface of the container 1405 in place of all or a portion of the base label 100. The imprinting or embossing may be carried out using any printing or image transfer method known in the art. In various embodiments, the printing or image transfer method may be an offset process in which an image is transferred from a plate to an intermediate carrier, then to the outer surface of the container 1405. The offset process may also involve lithographic techniques. Other printing or image transfer methods may comprise, for example, flexography, pad printing, relief printing, rotogravure, screen printing, and electrophotography. According to various embodiments, the indicia 106 may be digitally printed on the outer surface of the container 1405 using, for example, inkjet printing or laser printing. Chemical printing technologies, such as blueprint or diazo print may also be used in various embodiments.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising”, and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A rotating label measurement system for a container, comprising: a base label adhered to the container, the base label having a front surface with printed measurement information; an opaque rotating top label covering at least a portion of the front surface of the base label; a transparent window within a portion of the opaque rotating top label, the transparent window displaying at least a portion of the printed measurement information; and wherein rotation of the opaque rotating top label causes the transparent window to display measurement information for a specific unit of measurement.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the printed measurement information includes a gradient line for the specific unit of measurement.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the printed measurement information includes the specific unit of measurement.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the gradient line indicates a level of material dispensed from the container into a predetermined second container.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the material is a liquid, a solid or any combination thereof.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the printed measurement information includes an indicia for the specific unit of measurement.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the printed measurement information includes the specific unit of measurement.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the indicia indicates an amount of material dispensed from the container.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the indicia is any of a pill, a tablet, an inhaler, or a nose spray container.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a numerical representation of the measurement information.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in the transparent window.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in a second transparent window.
 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising consumer-related information printed on the base label.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the consumer-related information comprises a plurality of numerical values.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the consumer-related information and the measurement information are positioned on the base label such that displaying one of the plurality of consumer-related information values in the transparent window causes a predetermined portion of the measurement information to also be displayed in the transparent window.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the consumer-related information and the measurement information are positioned on the base label such that displaying one of the plurality of consumer-related information values in the transparent window causes a predetermined portion of the measurement information to be displayed in a second transparent window.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the consumer-related information comprises a graph.
 18. A rotating label measurement system for a container comprising: measurement information on an outer surface of the container; an opaque rotating top label covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the container; and a transparent window within a portion of the opaque rotating top label, the transparent window displaying at least a portion of the measurement information; wherein rotation of the opaque rotating top label causes the transparent window to display measurement information for a specific unit of measurement.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the measurement information is imprinted on the outer surface of the container.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the measurement information is embossed on the outer surface of the container.
 21. The system of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the measurement information is molded on the outer surface of the container.
 22. The system of claim 18, wherein the measurement information includes a gradient line for the specific unit of measurement.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the gradient line indicates a level of material dispensed from the container into a predetermined second container.
 24. The system of claim 18, further comprising consumer-related information on the outer surface of the container.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the consumer-related information comprises a plurality of numerical values.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the consumer-related information and the measurement information are positioned on the outer surface of the container such that displaying one of the plurality of consumer-related information values in the transparent window causes a predetermined portion of the measurement information to also be displayed in the transparent window.
 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the consumer-related information and the measurement information are positioned on the outer surface of the container such that displaying one of the plurality of consumer-related information values in the transparent window causes a predetermined portion of the measurement information to be displayed in a second transparent window.
 28. The system of claim 24, wherein the consumer-related information comprises a graph.
 29. A method for measuring material dispensed from a container, the method comprising: adhering a base label to the container, the base label having a front surface with printed units of measurement; covering at least a portion of the front surface of the base label with a rotating top label; placing a transparent window within a portion of the rotating top label, the transparent window allowing at least a portion of the units of measurement to be visible through the transparent window; allowing the top label to rotate to a specific unit of measurement; displaying an indicia associated with the specific unit of measurement; and providing an opening on the container for dispensing material and allowing the material to be dispensed until it is dispensed at or near an amount approximated by the indicia.
 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising displaying a gradient line for the specific unit of measurement.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the gradient line indicates a level of material dispensed from the container into a predetermined second container.
 32. The method of claim 29, further comprising displaying a numerical representation of the specific unit of measurement.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in the transparent window.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in a second transparent window.
 35. A method for measuring material dispensed from a container, the method comprising: adhering a base label to the container, the base label having a front surface with printed units of measurement; covering at least a portion of the front surface of the base label with a rotating top label; placing a transparent window within a portion of the rotating top label, the transparent window allowing at least a portion of the units of measurement to be visible through the transparent window; allowing the top label to rotate to a specific unit of measurement; displaying a gradient line associated with the specific unit of measurement; providing an opening on the container for dispensing material and allowing the material to be dispensed into a predetermined second container until the material is at or near a level on the predetermined second container approximated by the gradient line.
 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising displaying a numerical representation of the specific unit of measurement.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in the transparent window.
 38. The method of claim 36, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in a second transparent window. 